.Consulting Projects
Daniel Gray-Kontar's passion for using the arts to create positive social change shines through in all aspects of his work. His expertise, dedication, and collaborative approach make him an invaluable resource for organizations committed to making a difference in their communities.​
Below you will find examples of consulting projects that Daniel Gray-Kontar has successfully led.
In 2021, Daniel provided consultation to Midtown Cleveland and Magnet for a unique playground serving as an official outpost of the Great Lakes Science Center. Daniel facilitated a series of interviews and focus groups with youth, parents, and seniors residing in the Hough neighborhood to co-design an immersive introduction to science, engineering, and manufacturing in the Hough/Midtown neighborhood.
Blk Joy Festival
In 2022, Daniel worked with the Hough Youth Advisory Board and a host of other collaborators to provide consultation, mentoring, and execution of the first-ever BlK JOY Festival in Cleveland. BLK JOY was a one-day expression of Black Joy through music, dance, spoken word, film, visual arts, and soulful conversations. It is one of the only youth-led and youth-run festivals in the city of Cleveland.
In 2022, Daniel provided consultation to Say Yes: Cleveland, College Now, Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD), and design firm Nesnadny + Schwartz to redesign the Say Yes: Cleveland website. Daniel collaborated with youth facilitators to engage teachers, current students, high school graduates, parents, and guidance counselors in the process of co-designing a more user-friendly website to provide CMSD students and their families with greater access to Say Yes: Cleveland scholarships and other resources. Daniel also wrote all of the language appearing on the website, making the sight more accessible to readers of all ages.
In 2022, Daniel offered valuable consultation services to Burton Bell Carr Development Corporation, Enterprise, and Fifth Third Bank. Daniel provided strategic guidance to the Black Futures Empowerment Program, an initiative aimed at revitalizing the South Buckeye neighborhood. Daniel's contributions included providing insights on community engagement strategies, community networking, and sustainable development practices, which helped ensure that the program aligned with the needs and aspirations of the community, promoting inclusive growth and fostering a sense of empowerment among residents.
Stanford University Institute for Diversity in the Arts
In 2023, Daniel provided consultation to Stanford University's Institute for Diversity in the Arts (IDA) in support of its efforts to build stronger networks with civic leadership and BIPOC artists and arts organizations across the Bay Area. Daniel's yearlong study of the Bay Area's arts infrastructures was articulated in a community engagement strategic plan with five high-level recommendations for IDA to proceed in its community engagement efforts. Daniel also developed the course curriculum for a semester-long undergraduate class "Spoken Word Poetry and Resistance."
In 2020, Daniel played a pivotal role in a groundbreaking community-led process aimed at redesigning the E. 66th Street corridor. Daniel's contributions included facilitating community engagement sessions, gathering input from residents and stakeholders, and developing a comprehensive plan that reflects the unique needs and aspirations of the community. His leadership ensured that the redesign process was inclusive and empowering, leading to a vibrant and sustainable public space that enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.